1.20.2013

Who says book clubs are just for grown ups? Now school-aged kids can join the fun too. Have you heard about Book Clubs for Kids? Check it out at www.bookclubsforkids.wordpress.com and read all about how YOU can host a book club in your own home for your child and his/her friends while two elementary school teachers from Darien run the program.

3.21.2012

I popped into Barry & Fred's about 2 minutes before closing time today. I had both kids with me and was there for a last-minute gift. Instead of rushing me out of the store and getting annoyed when my kid accidentally stole some merchandise, the super nice sales ladies told me to take my time and laughed at my little kleptomaniac.
The eclectic store is stocked with funky accessories for the home and colorful jewelery, scarves and bags for you... and everything is very reasonably priced. No need to leave the little ones at home - there's a little play area with toys and a hot pink flat screen to keep them entertained while you shop. Plus, your kids can steal stuff and no one blinks an eye!
Just thought I'd share this little gem in case you haven't ventured down to Stamford's Harbor Point area yet - it's just one reason why I love this part of town.

2.28.2012

Hi stranger. Been awhile.
This was too cute not to quickly post. Come to Stamford's Kweskin Theater this weekend for a performance of The Tortoise & The Hare by The Northeast Children's Theater Company. There's one show on Friday and two on Saturday. Get your tickets at http://www.nctcompany.org/...

11.30.2011

Kaleidoscope Boutique Silhouette Artist Returns Dec 3rd and 4th!call for an appt today! space still availableprices start at $45 for two copies of one child, frames extraPERFECT GIFT FOR FAMILY OR FRIENDS Each appt takes 10 minutes - please call or email your requested time kaleidoscopekids@aol.com (203) 353-8300 - call or email now -
Across from Lord and Taylor!

10.20.2011

Hello, Swingset Mamas fans! I've got two pieces of good news for you...
# 1 - I'm giving away 4 copies of their latest CD, Mamamorphosis, to 4 lucky FCC readers! Anyone who posts this blog post to their Facebook page, Tweets it or leaves a comment below by Friday, October 28, is entered to win. Winners will be chosen at random, so good luck (please email me to let me know about any Facebook/Twitter love)! My kids and I have been rockin' out to this cd for the past few months and promise you will be too! We've been fans of the band for years and this cd showcases The Mamas at their best - smart, fun, catchy, talented and truly unique... in my book, no other music for children compares. Honest (just listen to song #4, Rock Star, and I'm sure you'll agree).

#2 - In other news, The Swingset Mamas are performing in Stamford at The Ferguson Library on November 18 at 6pm. Grab your tickets at www.swingsetmamas.ticketleap.com . Even cooler... The Stamford School Readiness Council will use the concert proceeds to send 1,000 preschool children to Goodnight Moon at The Palace Theater in December.

Don't forget to enter to win The Swingset Mama's latest CD by Friday, October 28 and look for me at the library on November 18. I'll be that mom... the one dorkily dancing much to my mortified children's horror. Sorry, can't help it, the Mamas have that affect on me.

8.23.2011

How thrilled was I when I was approached by Westport Mom and entrepreneur Christy Colasurdo and asked to sample a selection of GrazeDelivered direct-from-the-farm goodies, straight from Vermont? Sign me up!

A few days later a bin of treats arrived on my doorstep with everything from fresh bread to organic milk to soup. I'm a huge farmers market fan, but in recent years I haven't had the time to visit them as often as I'd like. I reluctantly shop at the local grocery store and am often disappointed by the lack of qualityand freshness. Thanks to Graze, I won't be that lady at the store returning the moldy blueberries anymore. Graze is a weekly farm-to-fridge online delivery service which brings fresh, wholesome and sustainably produced foods directly from Vermont's family farms right to your door. And it's not just produce. Graze offers snacks, baked goods, dairy products,entrees and so much more!

According to Christy, prices are on par with what you'd find at Whole Foods. When you factor in the convenience of Graze, I'd say it's a no brainer to give it a try. As if we needed more incentive, between now and December 31, 2011, all FairfieldCountyChild.com readers can receive a free
entree of choice on GrazeDelivered.com (up to a $16 value). Go directly to The Bistro page and choose any entree (up to $16). To receive the free entree with you order,
just add the coupon code fcchildentree at checkout and $16 will be deducted from your order.

Please note that delivery to homes in Fairfield County is ALWAYS FREE.

A few notes, from mom to mom... my kids adored the drinkable yogurts,and parfaits made with the Greek yogurt and granola. The broccoli soup lasted about 10 seconds here (so THAT's how you get kids to eat their veggies!!) and we all loved the fresh salsa and bean salad. I was surprised to see how many prepared dishes you can find on Graze. Close your eyes and imagine quick, nutritious meals for school lunches and weekday dinners, delivered to your door. Isn't the start of the overly scheduled school year the perfect time to cut yourself some slack in the kitchen and let Graze take over? Don't forget your free entree!www.grazedelivered.com
Free entree code to enter at checkout: fcchildentree

6.23.2011

For years I've been told "Go to Rio in Norwalk"... yeah, yeah. Mexican food is Mexican food, at least in my experience. Especially here in New England. Unless you visit the West Coast, is any of it really that impressive? Plus, I'm not usually into dining at a strip mall. Well, we gave it a try a few weeks ago and now I see the appeal. The food was awesome (authentic? I don't know - who cares?)... and the kids LOVED it. Due to the live music and a very friendly and patient staff, we had the most enjoyable restaurant meal together we've had in ages. Both my girls (ages 4 and 1) were totally entertained and us grown-ups enjoyed a pretty tasty meal + margaritas. The place was packed with kids and it was so festive and fun. We even chatted with the very nice family next to us which gave the whole evening a different sort of twist. When do we ever befriend fellow restaurant patrons? Like, never. So give it a try if you are looking for good food and a fun night out with the kids. Are you a Rio fan? If not, click here for more kid-friendly dining ideas in Fairfield County.

6.15.2011

Sometimes a girl just wants some ice cream, but sometimes that girl's jeans are too tight and she says to herself, "Girl, don't have ice cream." Thankfully, this girl discovered Swizzles in Darien. Not only is Swizzles frozen yogurt yummy, it's also quite a bit healthier than ice cream (low fat, gluten-free). Bonus - kids love Swizzles too. With new locations in Darien and Wilton (and another opening soon in Ridgefield), Swizzles is here just in time for summer.
Is it cheap? No. Are the toppings so delicious and fattening they negate the healthy nature of the yogurt? Yes. I'm still a fan though, and I bet you will be too. Check it out and let me know what you think!www.swizzlesyogurt.com

5.27.2011

5.19.2011

Hola. And here I am thinking this blog is old news and no one is reading it anymore and then out of the blue - a reader question! Amy posted a question on the FCC Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FairfieldCountyChild about where to hold a 3-year-old boy's birthday party in Fairfield County this summer. Anyone?

I have two girls and no idea what's happening in boyland. Can someone help Amy out? This is all I've got.... I went to a great party at Great Play in Stamford recently that was very boy-friendly. It's not exactly the best place for a summer party because it's all indoors, but the kids went nuts for the huge playspace and they have this ridiculous Interactive Arena that's sort of like Wii on crack. Hard to explain. All I know is that the kids stayed totally engaged and active and my mom friend (the hostess) was very happy with the staff. You can read all about Great Play's parties at http://greatplay.com/birthday/index.html.

3.03.2011

Come to Bright Horizons Child Development Center* on Long Ridge Road in Stamford this Saturday, March 5 from 9am - 12pm for a RENOVATION CELEBRATION. The whole family is invited to tour the renovated beautiful indoor/outdoor space, enjoy entertainment from Acting Out with Miss Karen from 9am-11am and healthy treats from Pine Hill Deli & Grocery in Stamford. Plus, children can take part in:

o Organized physical activities for all ages in the new Movement Matters Zone plus rock wall climbing for older toddlers and preschoolers.
o Art projects in the new art studio
o Yogurt sundae making
o Trail Mix making
o Juicing with fresh fruits and vegetables

I was lucky enough to have Lynn shoot my family's Christmas card photo and it was precious. Visit www.lynnromano.com to view her gallery of photos and see for yourself why you should work with her too! She's fun, patient, creative and just a pleasure to be around. My kids adore her. Plus, this is a great deal!

Just tena few Valentines sessions are available so call soon to make your appointment for Monday, January 17 (it's Presidents day and that means school is out!).

12.22.2010

I have another great last minute gift idea for you! Can you tell I just started my shopping? Well this one makes a great stocking stuffer for boys, girls and even you...and it's locally made in Norwalk. These cute belts from BeltItUp are washable and ecofriendly and they come in great colors.. I can't wait for Christmas morning. My peace sign obsessed 4 year old is going to die when she sees her pink PZ4All belt from Santa.

Visit www.beltupnow.com to view all available styles and you can pink one up at at several Fairfield County independent retailers: Krik-It Kids (Fairfield and Wilton), Shoes 'n More (Greenwich), and Little John's (New Canaan)?

I had the pleasure of meeting Pamela Garrett (company designer and owner) yesterday. She's a lovely woman with a background in art and a passion for her thriving venture. I love supporting local women as they grow their businesses and I hope you will too!

12.21.2010

Dashing out the door to work but I wanted to share this last-minute deal for all you holiday shopping procrastinators out there (like me!)... receive FREE SHIPPING on Just the Right Book when you order by Dec 25. Just enter "FAIRFIELD" at checkout. What's Just the Right Book?? It's a gift service for kids from RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison. Have you been? I hear wonderful things about this independent bookstore just outside of Fairfield County. My mother is a regular and one of these days I'll make it there myself and report back. In the meantime, here's what the program is all about, directly from the horse's mouth:

You just tell us a little bit about your child, her reading preferences and interests (whether that's dance, sports, music, etc.); then we put the RJ Julia book experts to work to find just the right books guaranteed to be a great read for your child. The books come gift-wrapped and are sent throughout the year. While the RJ Julia bookstore is located in Madison, CT, this online service allows anyone to tap into their expertise. It's like having a personal shopper for books!

11.29.2010

New program for grades 4-6 on Saturdays starting in January. I hear NCCS is an amazing place and this is a great opportunity to learn more about it. More information at www.countryschool.net/thinkbeyond !

11.25.2010

I saw the most beautiful sunrise of my life this morning. All pinks and reds and brilliant. It was so fleeting I didn't even have time to grab a camera, but it made me pause and think about this day and all I have to be thankful for. I hope you were lucky enough to see it too. Have a great day!

11.10.2010

I can't say enough about Ballet des Enfants in Stamford. My three-year-old has been taking ballet classes there since September and she just loves it.The studio is girly and beautiful and her instructor, Miss Ana, is just lovely - so patient and graceful with the little girls. In my opinion, the best part about BDE is the adorable costumes the girls get to dress up in every week. How cute was it last week when they all dressed up as Madeline? Miss Ana read the the classic story by Ludwig Bemelmans and then the tiny dancers acted it out and danced in character. I thought it was such an amazing way to bring the story to life and make ballet more accessible for little girls.

With the holidays approaching, I wanted to pass along this information about BDE's 4th Annual Nutcracker Fantasy Workshop on Monday, November 22nd 10am-12pm or 1-3pm and Tuesday, November 23rd 10am-12pm or 1-3pm.

The ballerinas will explore and enjoy the beauty of the Nutcracker story. The Fantasy workshop features exquisite costumes and props, a holiday craft activity and a special tea party.

The workshop is $75 for 2 hours and for girls ages 3-6.
www.balletdesenfants.net

11.04.2010

Just stumbled upon this dreamy little shop in Southport and I'm absolutely smitten. I popped in for a baby gift and ended up chatting with the owner for a bit. O Lulla opened its doors in September and you'll find all sorts of lovely, unique gift items for babies plus gorgeous nursery furniture and accessories. The in-house designer is available to help you in the design of your nursery or child's bedroom. It's the little touches that got me.. like the complimentary juiceboxes so the littlest shoppers (so cute) and the rustic, slightly imperfect interior was a great backdrop for the bright, cheery, modern decor and furniture. Love!

10.27.2010

What's there not to like about this event? First ... The Swingset Mamas. Gotta love 'em. Secondly, proceeds will be used to send 1,000 preschool children to a production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Palace Theater in Stamford in February (more details on that later). That's 1,000 kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. Finally, what a great way to spend a time with your own kids. Rockin' out to great music for a great cause. The Swingset Mamas put on an awesome show and you and your kids will love them. Promise!!

I've been a bad, bad blogger. Sorry! I'm all over the place lately and this blog is taking a back seat. I do want to quickly mention a really fun event to benefit The Tiny Miracles Foundation. I don't have first hand experience with TTMF but I know lots of people in the area who have had wonderful experiences with the organization. So I promised to support them by posting about this. Sorry it's a little late!

Rock on for a great cause at Laughing Pizza’s energetic, educational and interactive dance-filled family concert for all ages! Laughing Pizza is a six-time Parent’s Choice Award winning family band. Laughing Pizza has been featured on The Today Show, CBS, Fox and CNN morning shows and PBS stations nationwide. They have had recent performances at the White House with Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers. Visit www.laughingpizza.com to learn more about the band.

10.09.2010

Why hello. It's been awhile since I've posted. I'm having trouble finding the time for blogging lately but I just can't keep this to myself so thought I'd share. A friend of mine is hosting her second tent sale in Fairfield next Saturday (October 16) from 10am -2pm in which she sells new and gently used designer clothes, shoes and bags for women. The last one was a huge hit and this one will be even bigger. Visit www.SweetBabyJeans.blogspot.com for details and images of some of the items she's selling.

It would help if I knew her address off hand, but I don't so stay tuned for that. I just wanted to announce this sooner rather than later so you could mark your calendars!

9.18.2010

I know this is a little ways out but it's never too early to mark your calendars and this sounds like a really special event. My kids are too young to really understand what it means to lose a loved one, but I can only imagine how difficult it must be to explain to kids who are old enough comprehend it. Here's a way to help them sort out their feelings.

On October 23 at Tilley Pond in Darien kids from all over are invited to HOPE Floats, a family-orientated event that allows children of all ages and their families to build and decorate small, easy-to-construct sailboats. Glue, markers and other art supplies will be available to help children personalize their boats.Those wishing to honor someone or remember a loved one are encouraged to write that person's name on the boat's sail.Families will be invited to launch the sailboats beginning at 4 p.m.

Those purchasing sailboats will be given free pizza courtesy of The Pizza Truck Company of Bethel.All proceeds will benefit critical illness and bereavement support services offered through Family Centers' Center for HOPE and The Den for Grieving Kids.Boats can be purchased the day of for $10 or by clicking here.

9.08.2010

I used to be all on top of this stuff, but having just come off hiatus I'm a little behind. Have you heard of the new JAM in SoNo? That's JAM as in Junior Art and Music. It definitely looks pretty cool and it's open house week so that means free classes and refreshments and of course... MUSIC from some names you probably recognize...

Join Green Moon at Whole Foods tomorrow to learn how to make art out of wood salvage. The project is a celebration of artist Louise Nevelson, who used wooden found objects like chair backs, table legs, cylinders, racket heads, pieces of baseball bats and guitars in her artwork. Louise who? Thanks Wikipedia!! Click here to learn more about this fascinating woman's work ... and see a piece of it above.

9.06.2010

Hello again! Hope you had an awesome summer. After a little hiatus, I'm back to blogging and hoping we can pick up right where we left off. I wish I could tell you I spent my hiatus relaxing at the beach or something but the reality is I've taken a new job that occupies much of my time and energy. It's a job out of the home so I've been getting used to the commute, a new childcare arrangement and pretty much a whole new lifestyle for me and my kids. It's a good thing, but I know many of you can relate to this transition. Thanks for bearing with me!

Moving on.... stay tuned I have a whole bunch of great stuff for moms and kids in Fairfield County to share with you. Please email me if you know of any upcoming events, activities, sales or business openings you would like me to share with FairfieldCountyChild.com readers.

7.09.2010

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've had some stuff going on that's keeping me pretty busy! I'll keep this short and sweet. Rowayton's River Ramble is this Saturday. Never been but all my Rowayton friends swear it's the best day ever.

7.08.2010

This crazy ass heatwave is making me realllllly lazy.... and is there anything better than a cocktail on a hot summer night once the kids are put to bed? I think not. So how thrilled was I when I was invited to participate in this roundup of Connecticut bloggers' favorite summer cocktails over at CTBites.com?

I'm loving all the photos and inspiration for summer drinks. The cucumber gin fizz? The peach sangria? I'll drink to that... which is your favorite? You'll see that my recipe for minty vodka lemonade is really simple and it's our household's summer 2010 signature cocktail, but maybe a watermelon ale is more your thing?

Thank you to contributor Amy Kundrat of Motoamy and CTBites.com for the invitiation to participate. In case you're not already familiar with CTBites.com, we've got to do something about that. It's a fabulous resource for all things food in Connecticut. Be sure to check out their KIDS BITES section for some great ideas about where to eat outwith the little ones.

7.01.2010

I've received a few emails inquiring about where to find fireworks this 4th of July weekend. Rather than reinvent the wheel, I'll just send you on over to FairfieldCountyOnline.com. They have a great schedule for towns including Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Rowayton, Norwalk and Weston. Click here to check it out.

And have a happy holiday weekend! If you're traveling, be safe. I love love love the 4th of July. Can you tell?

6.28.2010

6.25.2010

I was planning to run in thd KICIT triathalon this Sunday but it's not in the cards because of some family stuff. Not only am I bummed to miss the race, but also the Race Day Festival in Columbus Park. From 9am-12pm you'll find:

* Live music by Superband, who will be playing on the big stage
* A mini go-kart race track provided by Grand Prix New York
* Clowns and more from The Big Apple Circus
* Huge obstacle bouncy funhouse
* Arts and crafts
* Caricatures
* Henna Tattoos
Bring the kids and cheer on all the amazing athletes who are supporting Kids in Crisis. More festival details can be found at www.kicittriathlon.com/festival.php

Steve E, singer/songwriter and a very popular Music Together* teacher, returns to perform a family-friendly concert June 25, 5:30pm-7:00pm. Bring your kids, enjoy the delicious fare at Cosi while you and your kids are thoroughly entertained by Steve E.

He will sing and play family-friendly folk/rock, original and cover tunes on both his guitar and mandolin. The Show will take place at Cosi, 1209 High Ridge Rd, Merritt Parkway, exit 35, Stamford.

6.18.2010

So a friend of mine posed the question above and I was stumped. Do you know of any such services? She needs someone just to drive her kids - no other childcare involved. She tells me she found a service in Westport called Kids on the Go, but she needs one in New Canaan? Please post below or email me if you can help. Thanks!

If you're already a FCC subscriber, you've heard the news about Green Moon's expansion into New Canaan. This great news was mentioned in Monday's newsletter, but I just wanted remind you that as a FCC reader, you will receive $25 off any afternoon class with Green Moon!

Toddler Time Nursery School of New Canaan has partnered with Green Moon of Rowayton to bring Green Moon's art program to New Canaan. The business's expansion into New Canaan is due to the success of the Rowayton location and the demand from parents beyond the Rowayton area for quality enrichment for their children. Green Moon will now be offering their fabulous art classes to children 18 months and up at Toddler Time.

The classes will be taught by owners Veronica Ponce and Lorena Balne. Veronica and Lorena are early childhood educators with Masters Degrees from The Bank Street College of Education and The University of Connecticut, respectively.

Together they've grown the Green Moon business, where children can enjoy classes, camps and birthday parties. Veronica is also owner of Organized Playgroups, the innovative at-home preschool program for children ages 18 - 36 in Darien, Westport, Stamford and Rowayton.

Toddler Time Nursery School has been in New Canaan for 30 years educating children ages 2-6. Toddler Time's philosophy is based upon active learning to promote growth in the areas of social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of young children. Toddler Time is located at 23 Park Street in the Congregational Church.

The first session in New Canaan will run on Wednesdays from June 23-July 28th. There will be three classes every Wednesday at 11-11:50am (1 ½- 2 ½ years old), 12-1pm (3's and 4's with lunch) and 1-2pm (4's, 5's and 6's). You can register for all 6 classes in the series or drop in space permitting. Cost is $150 for 6 week session or drop in for $30/class.

6.14.2010

In typical fashion, I'm just now starting to think about Father's Day. What are your plans? Do you have any special traditions you care to share? Where do you take your baby daddy for Father's Day? This year I want to mix it up a bit. Rather than the usual boring gift, I want to take him out.